Thursday, 22 August 2013

News Release: UN Secretary-General Shocked By Reports From Syria

Ki-moon; UN Sec. General

The Secretary-General is
shocked to hear the reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in the
suburbs of Damascus.

Professor Åke Sellström and his team are currently in the Syrian
Arab Republic to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons reported by
the Government of Syria at Khan al-Assal, as well as two other allegations of
the use of chemical weapons reported by Member States.

According to the
agreement reached in Damascus in July, the two parties are discussing, in
parallel, other allegations and their related sites.

The United Nations mission to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use
in Syria is following the current situation in Syria carefully, and remains
fully engaged in the investigation process that is mandated by the Secretary
General. Professor Sellström is in discussions with the Syrian
Government on all issues pertaining to the alleged use of chemical weapons,
including this most recent reported incident.

The Secretary-General is aware that a number of Member States, the Arab League
and the European Union have expressed grave concern about the most recent
reports of the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria. The
Secretary-General reaffirms his determination to ensure a thorough
investigation of the reported alleged incidents that are brought to his
attention by Member States.

The Secretary-General
reiterates that any use of chemical weapons by any side under any circumstances
would violate international humanitarian law.